District Magistrate Jammu Dr. Rakesh Minhas today chaired a meeting with the members of the civil society, seeking collective commitment to the 3- month mass public mobilisation campaign against drug abuse set to be formally launched from April 11.
The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Joginder Singh; Additional District Magistrates Anusuya Jamwal and Vidhu Shekhar, besides other officers from the district administration.Reiterating the government's resolve to mount a massive crackdown on drug menace, the DM said that drug abuse was not merely a law and order problem but a social emergency and that the administration was fully committed to fighting it with every resource and every partner at its command. He said the forthcoming drive would encompass stringent enforcement action alongside sustained public participation, emphasising that the fight against drugs must be waged at every level of society and that civil society stood at the very heart of this effort.
"We have to be forthcoming about this menace that is eating into the fabric of our society. We must end the stigma and encourage open conversations about drug abuse within families, among friends and across social circles," he said.The DM informed that Panchayat-wise and Ward-wise committees would be constituted to ensure grassroots-level monitoring and checks. Helpline numbers are being widely publicised and overall administrative support is being significantly augmented to mount a concerted and coordinated fight against drugs.
Reiterating the administration's commitment to protect whistleblowers, Dr. Minhas assured complete anonymity and safety to anyone providing information regarding drug trade. He further affirmed that all possible support would be extended to those seeking help to free themselves from the grip of addiction.The DC also announced that youth clubs would be formed across the district as part of the broader public outreach initiative, channelling the energy of young people into the anti-drug movement.
Seeking active support and cooperation from civil society members, the DM urged them to serve as the eyes and ears of the administration, engaging in vigilant monitoring and promptly reporting suspicious activity through designated channels.Suggestions and inputs were also presented by the attendees on strengthening the three-month drive, underscoring that the experience and reach of civil society would be invaluable in shaping a campaign.
The house was informed that Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, shall lead a Padyatra on April 11, commencing from MA Stadium and culminating at the Parade Ground. The Padyatra would herald the beginning of a rigorous three-month chain of awareness events, community mobilisation drives and sustained activities aimed at combating drug abuse across the district.
The meeting was attended by a broad cross-section of civil society, including heads of religious bodies, representatives of trade and transport unions, educators, social activists and other community leaders.